Span Calc vs Construction Calc Pro Lite

The American Wood Council (AWC) Span Calculator for Wood Joists and Rafters (Span Calc) performs calculations for all species and grades of commercially available softwood and hardwood lumber as found in the 2021 National Design Specification® (NDS®) for Wood Construction. Joists and rafter spans for common loading conditions can be determined. A span options calculator allows selection of multiple species and grades for comparison purposes. Supported by the Softwood Lumber Board. Maximum horizontal spans for joists and rafters are calculated based on the following assumptions and conditions: · Joists and rafters are oriented to support vertical loads applied to the narrow (1.5 in. thick) face of the member, resulting in strong-axis bending. · At least three joists or rafters are installed parallel to one another and spaced not more than 24 inches on-center, with properly designed sheathing attached on the top (compression) edge of each joist or rafter. · Joists and rafters are single-span with adequate structural support at each end. The Span Calculator does not address cantilevered joists and rafters, multiple-span joists and rafters, or spliced joists and rafters. · For joists and rafters, most building codes specify a minimum bearing length of 1.5 inches on wood or metal and not less than 3 inches on masonry or concrete. These minimum bearing lengths are to be used in the absence of calculated bearing lengths. Consult the local building code for specific requirements. · Joists and rafters carry only combinations of dead load plus live load (D + L), dead load plus snow load (D + S), or dead load plus roof live load (D + Lr). The Span Calculator does not address wind load or seismic load. · Buildings in regions with ground snow loads greater than 70 psf should not use the prescriptive provisions of the governing building code without approval of the authority having jurisdiction. Buildings in these high snow zones should be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice. While every effort has been made to insure the accuracy of the information presented, and special effort has been made to assure that the information reflects the state-of-the-art, neither the American Wood Council nor its members assume any responsibility for any particular design prepared from this Span Calculator application. Those using this Span Calculator assume all liability from its use.

Construction Calc Pro turns your device into an advanced jobsite computer. Built specifically for contractors, builders, carpenters, and project supervisors, it combines full fractional-inch dimensional math with integrated material takeoffs and project estimation sheets. Eliminate expensive standalone handhelds—run your framing cuts, stair layouts, material orders, and job estimates right from your pocket. CORE DIMENSIONAL MATH & CONVERSIONS - Calculate in feet, inches, and fractional inches down to 1/64 inch - Full math support: Add, subtract, multiply, divide, powers, and square roots with mixed units - Instant conversions: Fractions to decimals, square and cubic footage, metric to imperial, angles, and temperatures - Automatic fraction reduction to lowest common denominators - Split-screen view displays active calculations, measurements, and memory registers simultaneously - 50 shared memory registers accessible across all specialized modules PROJECT ESTIMATION & MATERIAL TAKEOFFS - Instant takeoffs for concrete pours, block walls, drywall sheets, paint, tile, and lumber - Calculate surface areas and volumes for standard, angled, and complex compound shapes - Export to a running job estimate sheet to tally project totals - Email itemized takeoffs directly to clients, suppliers, or your crew right from the site ROOF, STAIRS & STRUCTURAL LAYOUT - Stairs & Stringers: Solve total rise, run, unit rise, unit run, riser and tread counts, stringer length, and minimum stairwell openings with scale-drawn diagrams - Rafters & Framing: Integrated right-angle trigonometry solves slope, pitch, common rafters, hips, and valleys with visual graphic feedback - Crown Moulding: Calculate precise miter and bevel saw settings for any wall angle and any spring angle - Arcs & Circles: Solve radius, circumference, sector area, arc length, and segments fast Designed for professional trades who need reliable, jobsite-tested calculations without ads, subscriptions, or bulky handheld devices. Built-in help guides and instructions included for every module.